Does your smile have dark stains and imperfections that are unattractive? Your dentist may suggest a procedure such as porcelain veneers. Veneers are shell-like tooth faces typically made of porcelain that are bonded directly onto areas of your teeth that have been shaved down. Lumineers are a particular type of porcelain veneers that are very thin and do not require that your teeth be shaved.

Because your dentist must remove a significant amount of tooth enamel to allow for the best adhesion between your tooth and the veneers, traditional porcelain dental veneers are a permanent choice for your teeth. If they crack or become loose, they must be replaced, as the natural tooth underneath is no longer suitable to function without the cover of the veneer. Because a layer of natural tooth enamel has been removed from your tooth, that tooth may also experience increased sensitivity to hot or cold beverages and foods.

A Lumineer is so thin that it requires little to no removal of your tooth’s enamel – something that appeals to many people – and they are bonded directly to your tooth without any preparation. Should you choose to remove them, you may; however, due to the secure bond to your natural tooth, the process for removal is not easy. Because Lumineers are so thin, they are more prone to cracking than traditional veneers and might not last as long.

Lumineers work best on teeth that are already in proper alignment. If your natural teeth are crooked or crowded and shaping is necessary to reach your smile goals, traditional veneers will be the better choice. As well, if your natural teeth are severely discolored, that discoloration may show through the thin Lumineers.

Neither porcelain veneers nor Lumineers are suitable for patients who have severely decayed or weakened teeth. Patients who grind their teeth or clench their jaws at night are also less suitable to receive veneers or Lumineers, as their veneers may crack, chip, or loosen.

Talk to your Toronto dentist today about the changes you’d like to see in your smile, and what type of veneer best suits you and your particular needs.